How should I apply antifouling?

You can apply
antifouling using a brush or roller. If you prefer using a brush, we recommend
a large width brush. The type of brush you use isn’t that important as the
finish will not be as smooth as a topside paint.

Step 1: Health and safety

Before starting your
preparatory work, please ensure the area you are working in is adequately
ventilated. Ensure you are wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). We recommend safety spectacles, goggles or visors, nitrile rubber
gloves, overalls (ensuring skin is not exposed) and a solvent mask or a
respirator (if working on larger areas or in confined spaces).

Depending on where
you are re-antifouling, you may need to use bunds to collect liquid and solid
wastes to prevent them from entering waterways or surrounding ground. You may
also need to use suitable tenting to protect those who aren’t on the job. Make
sure you understand and follow all local regulations.

Step 2: Inspection

Check for areas of damage, separation or peeling, or any other indications that the existing coating is not firmly adhered to the substrate.

Step 3: Preparation

If surface is in good condition

Begin by giving your boat a high-pressure fresh water wash to remove loose antifouling salt and calcium deposits. If you don’t remove this layer it can lead to blistering, delamination or even poor antifouling performance. Once done, the surface should look clean. If you’re unsure, seek advice from your local Paint representative.

Check for compatibility. Continue to Step 5.

If surface is in poor condition

If the majority of the existing antifouling is cracking, peeling or showing signs of detachment from the substrate, it should be totally removed.

Step 4: Masking

Before priming or applying antifouling, mask off the area to be painted.

Bare substrates should be primed accordingly. Product recommendations are provided on labels and datasheets. Remember to pay particular attention to drying times and over-coating intervals.

Step 6: Application

Mix paint thoroughly with a stirring stick, ensuring that any settlement is mixed in. Apply using a brush or roller according to label recommendations.

Apply the antifouling at the correct thickness. This may mean an extra coat is needed depending on application methods and conditions. If you are unable to measure the wet paint film thickness, here’s a tip: after working out your hull area and how much antifouling should be applied, simply make sure you apply all of the antifouling. The reason is that everyone applies paint differently, some more heavily and some lighter. The exact number of coats is less important than applying the correct volume. It is better to apply all the paint than leave some in the tin to be discarded.

Apply an extra coat to the leading and trailing edges; e.g. waterline, trim tabs, outdrives, keels and rudders. These areas experience more water turbulence and in turn more wear on the paint surface.

Follow overcoating times and immersion times carefully. If you don’t it could result in detachment, blistering or cracking of the antifouling. And remember: the marine environment is harsh for paint, so it must be allowed to dry thoroughly before immersion.

Summary

DO

Prepare the underwater areas correctly

Make sure they are clean and dry

Stir paint well before application

Replace the lid while temporarily not in use

Apply an extra coat at high-wear areas such as leading edges

Apply correct quantity of paint. See the datasheet for recommended film thickness

Re-launch within the specified time period

DON’T

Apply over salt contaminated surfaces

Apply over unprepared substrate

Apply without stirring or mixing

Apply over/under the recommended spread rate

Leave original can with the lid off for long periods

Use dirty brushes or semi-dried roller sleeves

Recoat or re-launch outside the specified time periods

You can use our Paint Estimator to determine how much paint is required. Just enter the type and dimensions of your boat, the product you're using and the number of coats required, and you'll receive a helpful estimate.

Middle East & Africa

Who's painting?

Choose one of the following to tailor the site to your needs

I paint my boat myself (DIY)I'm a professional and have a license to use professional boat paint products. This option is for shipyards, distributors, retailers and applicators.

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